As another school year commences, parents of kinder kids may already be putting in school applications for 2021. Lots of parents ask therapists for their advice around preparing children for their best start at school.

If you child has just started a 4-year-old kinder program, here are some ideas that you can use at home to help you child get ready for school:

• Social skills: Start playing board games with your child, and let the whole family join in. This will help your child learn about winning and losing, turn taking and engaging in a game with others.

• Self-care: Encourage your child to use public restrooms to help them feel comfortable using toilets that aren’t their own. It also gives them an experience out of their comfort zone and gets them used to turning on taps and using the hand dryer.

• Language Skills: Start asking and encouraging your child to ask ‘wh’ questions including who, what, when and where. This will encourage them to communicate effectively in the classroom. Use pictures visuals to help your child understand the different ‘wh’ concepts.

• Phonological Awareness: Encourage your child to sing their ABCs and give them opportunities to match letters to letter names. Studies have shown that early acquisition of letter and sound knowledge, are likely to make a difference in successful transition to school. Also read to them to encourage their knowledge of literacy and language.

If you have concerns about your child’s language, literacy or motor development and are unsure if they will be able to start school next year, book an appointment with either a Speech or Occupational Therapist. Targeting these skills early will enhance your child’s success in the first years of school.

Written by Speech Pathologist Carmel Walsh for De Silva Kids Clinic.